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U.S. to establish military bases in Yemen

Special to WorldTribune.com

CAIRO â The United States was said to planning to build at least
three military bases in Yemen.

Yemeni sources said the administration of President Barack Obama intends
to enhance defense and military cooperation in 2013 with a range of new
projects. They said this would include arms deliveries and the construction
of military bases in the Arab League state.
“The projects would begin over the next few months,” a source said.

The Yemeni daily Al Shaara reported that Washington has also agreed to
construct 1,000 housing units in Yemen. The newspaper said the Defense
Department would oversee the building of three bases, including one on the island of Socotra.

Al Shaara said the U.S. embassy was instructed to identify and select
Yemeni contractors for the projects. In a report on Jan. 7, the newspaper
said several unidentified Yemeni companies were invited to participate in the tender.

The military aid to Yemen was seen as part of cooperation that included
U.S. air strikes on suspected Al Qaida targets. Yemen has acknowledged the
air operations in the south against Al Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula.

“The Yemeni-American cooperation, including the use of friendly
aircraft, will continue,” Yemeni national security adviser Ali Hassan Al
Ahmadi said on Jan. 8.

Al Ahmadi’s remarks came in wake of a visit by a U.S. security
delegation to Sanaa. Officials said the delegation, which ended a two-day
visit on Jan. 7, proposed training projects for Yemen’s police and coast
guard.

“The United States has a profound interest in advancing Yemen’s security
and prosperity,” visiting U.S. Homeland Security Undersecretary Rand Beers
said.

“By enhancing collaboration with the government of Yemen, we reaffirm
our commitment to more effectively secure our two countries against evolving
threats and improve the trade and investment climate in Yemen.”